And some readers had some questions about the tests we run, specifically how this grip might apply to stopping on snow. So we ran some back-to-back tests on randomly selected winter, all-season, and all-terrain tires. The chart below depicts ABS stopping distances from 20 to 0 mph and accelerating distances traveling 5 to 20 mph over hard-packed snow, which mimics a well-traveled snow-covered road. (Also read: "Staying safe on snow- and ice-covered roads.")

What we found was that our test data supports our subjective observations: A winter tire can provide secure grip to accelerate and stop on snow. And winter tires work better than an all-season and all-terrain tire we tested for comparison. Many people make a winter tire purchase solely on the idea of avoiding getting stuck in the snow. And while that has its merits, we think it’s more important to value tire grip for stopping, possibly helping you to avoid a collision. Here, our winter tire stopped at 13 and 16 feet shorter than the all-season and all-terrain tires, respectively—and that was from a relatively slow 20 mph.

Bottom line: If you need to be on the road in wintry weather, consider a winter tire for the best grip to start and stop. That’s especially important to drivers of all-wheel-drive cars and trucks who think they don’t need them. In truth, they may have the get-up-and-go traction to battle winter weather, but they cannot stop any better than a car without all-wheel drive. Only winter tires and your good senses will help that.